To work as a nuclear engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering. Many nuclear engineers have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree.

Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in nuclear engineering. A smaller number of schools offer advanced degrees.

Nuclear engineering has several specialties, such as:

• Reactor Engineering
• Nuclear Materials
• Reactor Physics
• Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion
• Reactor Safety
• Medical Diagnostics and Treatments
• Nuclear Waste Management

Work experience

You should consider participating in an engineering internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. Training generally lasts for two to four years.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to nuclear engineering graduates.